Nature Reserves in Sicily

Sicily has one national park, Pantelleria National Park, four regional nature parks (Etna, Madonie, Nebrodi and Alcantara) and 75 regional nature reserves, according to the Sicilian Region's environmental observatory (ORBS, as of October 2026). The best-known reserves are Zingaro, Vendicari and Cavagrande del Cassibile. They lie along the coast or in deep gorges and are explored on foot.

Does Sicily have a national park?

Yes, but not on the main island. Pantelleria National Park was established by presidential decree on 28 July 2016 and covers about 6,560 hectares of land on the volcanic island of Pantelleria, southwest of Sicily. It is the only national park in Sicily. On the main island Etna, Madonie, Nebrodi and Alcantara are regional parks.

Which regional parks does Sicily have?

Which nature reserves in Sicily are worth visiting?

At Capo di Milazzo you also find the Piscina di Venere, a natural rock pool for walking and snorkeling.

Which protected areas are good for swimming?

Several coastal reserves combine a hike with a swim. Zingaro has small bays along the trail, Vendicari allows snorkeling in the sea, and the Laghetti di Marinello near Patti combine lagoons with a sandy beach by the sea. More stretches of coast are on the beaches page. The sea temperature for each month is in the climate table on the travel planning page.

Who manages the reserves, and what sets Vendicari apart?

Several reserves, among them Zingaro and Cavagrande del Cassibile, are managed by the Sicilian Region's forestry administration, formerly known as the Azienda Foreste Demaniali. Vendicari is a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention; it has been protected since 1984 and open to visitors since 1989. Pantelleria National Park takes up about 80 percent of the island, which belongs to the province of Trapani.

Which protected areas are in which province?

• Province of Trapani: Zingaro, Saline di Trapani and Saline di Marsala in the west.
• Province of Syracuse: Vendicari and Cavagrande del Cassibile in the southeast.
• Province of Messina: Nebrodi, Alcantara Gorge, Laghetti di Marinello and Capo di Milazzo in the northeast.
• Province of Palermo: the Madonie in the north.
• Province of Catania: Etna in the east.

Does Sicily also have marine protected areas?

Yes. The ORBS of the Sicilian Region lists seven, among them Ustica, Capo Gallo near Palermo, the Cyclops Islands (Isole Ciclopi) and Capo Milazzo; the Egadi Islands belong to them too. They apply at sea and follow their own rules on anchoring, fishing and diving, which each area sets. For the Egadi there is the Aegadian Islands page.

What belongs in the pack for a hike in a protected area?

No road leads into Zingaro; the reserve can only be visited on foot. Water, sun protection and sturdy shoes belong in the pack, also at Vendicari and Cavagrande, where the trails run through open country. If you hike in summer, start early in the day.

When is the best time for nature in Sicily?

For hiking, April, May and October suit best, with daytime highs of 19 to 23 °C (66 to 73 °F) on the north coast (climate table on the travel planning page). In July and August they reach 30 °C (86 °F). In the coastal reserves of Zingaro and Vendicari a hike can then be combined with a swim in a bay. In the mountains of Madonie, Nebrodi and on Etna, winter sets the season.

Each area sets its own access and entry rules. Check the managing authority before you go, as paths can be closed. Vacation rentals near the reserves are listed on sicily.vacations.